Wigan Athletic defender Jake Buxton gave a passionate and honest assessment despite obvious dejection after his side lost 2-0 to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

Reflecting post-match with Latics PlayerHD on his side’s current predicament, Buxton said:

“We knew the position we were in; it’s not just today that’s contributed to the positon we find ourselves in, it’s because we didn’t get the result at Blackburn, we didn’t win at home to Forest and last weekend we didn’t beat Bristol City, so today against Villa was always a big ask.

“We kept going, we stood toe-to-toe with them and were probably on top in the first-half with the better chances.

“We got punished with a sloppy goal from a set-piece where too many players turn off and lacked the desire to get back goal side early.

“We’re more disappointed for the supporters because they have stuck with us for as long as they have done after the performances of late.”

Latics changed style for the visit of former manager Steve Bruce and his Villa side in Barrow’s first game in interim charge and Buxton says it worked, though Latics paid the price for failing to take their good first-half opportunities.

“Graham set us up in a formation that had been successful under Roberto Martinez in previous years and we watched videos on that,” he added.

“We went after Villa, caused the problems and created good chances but it wasn’t to be.

“We started off the season as a three and I felt we were comfortable; as well as Kodjia and Hogan have been playing, they didn’t seem to cause us too many problems with Adomah.

“I thought we were taking the game to them but we didn’t put the ball in the net when we were on top and you’re always vulnerable at 0-0.

“It’s tough to sit and criticise the lads and say we’ve not been up for it and at it because we have but we have just lacked and come up a little bit short.”

Buxton’s final message stated the players won’t be giving up in the face of adversity.

“We can’t give up; you’ve got all the fans turning up and paying money, your own careers to look out for, your teammates the club,” he explained.

“The club give you the contract, you owe them every penny of that contract to tie your boots on a Saturday and give everything you’ve got for the club.

“If there is anybody that doesn’t want to do that then I am sure Graham and the senior players would say they don’t deserve to play.

“We won’t go down with a whimper, this was an opportunity to pick up points but whilst it’s mathematically possible, we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”